BAE to develop new electric defence aircraft

BAE Systems engineers from Lancashire are to embark upon a new project to develop an electric vehicle with vertical take-off compatibility which will offer enhanced defence and security with a smaller environmental impact.

BAE will partner with Embraer Defense & Security on a joint study to explore the development of Eve’s electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL).

The joint study follows Eve’s development for the urban market and will look at how the aircraft could provide cost-effective, sustainable and adaptable capability for defence purposes.

Engineers from BAE Systems’ Air sector will work together with the Embraer Defense & Security team based in São José dos Campos, Brazil to explore how a defence variant could be used for a range of applications such as personnel transportation, surveillance and reconnaissance, disaster relief and humanitarian response.

Eve’s eVTOL could help to transform defence operations, whilst reducing their environmental impact – at a much lower operating cost than today’s platforms.

Ian Muldowney, chief operating officer, BAE Systems Air sector, said: "Bringing together Embraer’s innovative technology in the commercial sector with our extensive defence engineering and systems integration experience will help us to accelerate the pace of new innovations. This joint study is a great example of how we’re delivering against our commitment to collaborate to explore new and sustainable technologies for our customers."

• For further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.